Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona loves to use a platoon approach all over the field.
He has done that so far in 2021 at shortstop, center field, and first base.
Jordan Luplow seems to be breaking the trend Thursday night.
The Indians are going up against New York Yankees right-hander Domingo German and Luplow is in center field, batting leadoff.
As expected, Jake Bauers and Andres Gimenez, both left-handed batters, are in at their respective positions of first base and shortstop.
Jordan Luplow getting the start in center against a righty: pic.twitter.com/KXth6fKBYO
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) April 22, 2021
This makes sense given the fact Ben Gamel was sent to the alternate site.
A Chance to Become The Everyday CF
Luplow’s main competition in center is Amed Rosario.
The converted shortstop has been getting time at his natural position and in the outfield as well.
Both players bat right-handed so a traditional platoon approach immediately goes out the window.
Luplow deserves to be in the lineup at this point.
He leads the team in both home runs and RBIs even though he only has 30 at-bats on the season.
For reference, Jose Ramirez and Cesar Hernandez are tied for the team-lead with 60.
His OPS of 1.205 is also well above Rosario’s mark of .538.
The most games Luplow has ever played in a single season was 85 back in 2019 with the Indians.
He hit 15 home runs that year and is on pace to shatter that career-high in 2021.
Francona’s platoon system created a narrative around Luplow that he was only effective against left-handed pitching.
But so far, the 27-year-old is batting .500 in limited action against right-handers this season.
He may just need actual time at the plate to prove he is not just a platoon guy.
The Other Competition
Jordan Luplow is on pace for 50 home runs this season.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/RItI698KUJ
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 22, 2021
Players like Bradley Zimmer, Oscar Mercado, and Daniel Johnson may all believe they can win playing time in center field.
But it would be foolish to move Luplow out of the lineup the way he is playing right now.
The Indians have a surplus of options in the outfield and that means they can truly find the best man for the job.
Going with Luplow and Rosario may be the best plan of action unless one of the three of Zimmer, Mercado, or Johnson look too good in the minors not to get a shot.
There is no need to mess with a good thing and Jordan Luplow is putting up some serious power numbers in limited action.
Getting him into an everyday role can allow Francona and the front office to see if this pace is sustainable.
If not, there are plenty of players ready to step in and get their chance.
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